Calcium hydroxide (traditionally called slaked lime) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2. It is a colorless crystal or white powder and is produced when quicklime (calcium oxide) is mixed with water. Approximately 125M tons/y are produced worldwide.[8] Calcium hydroxide has many names including hydrated lime, caustic lime, builders' lime, slaked lime, cal, and pickling lime. Calcium hydroxide is used in many applications, including food preparation, where it has been identified as E number E526. Limewater, also called milk of lime, is the common name for a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide.Calcium hydroxide is modestly soluble in water, as seen for many dihydroxides. Its solubility increases from 0.66 g/L at 100 °C to 1.89 g/L at 0 °C.[8] Its solubility product Ksp of 5.02×10−6 at 25 °C, [1] its dissociation in water is large enough that its solutions are basic according to the following dissolution reactionThe solubility is affected by the common-ion effect. Its solubility drastically decreases upon addition of hydroxide or calcium sources.Calcium hydroxide is commonly used to prepare lime mortar. One significant application of calcium hydroxide is as a flocculant, in water and sewage treatment. It forms a fluffy charged solid that aids in the removal of smaller particles from water, resulting in a clearer product. This application is enabled by the low cost and low toxicity of calcium hydroxide. It is also used in fresh-water treatment for raising the pH of the water so that pipes will not corrode where the base water is acidic, because it is self-regulating and does not raise the pH too much.[citation needed] Another large application is in the paper industry, where it is an intermediate in the reaction in the production of sodium hydroxide. This conversion is part of the causticizing step in the Kraft process for making pulp. In the causticizing operation, burned lime is added to green liquor, which is a solution primarily of sodium carbonate and sodium sulfate produced by dissolving smelt, which is the molten form of these chemicals from the recovery furnace.[10] In orchard crops, calcium hydroxide is used as a fungicide. Applications of 'lime water' prevent the development of cankers caused by the fungal pathogen Neonectria galligena. The trees are sprayed when they are dormant in winter to prevent toxic burns from the highly reactive calcium hydroxide. This use is authorised in the European Union and the United Kingdom under Basic Substance regulations.[12] Calcium hydroxide is used in dentistry, primarily in the specialty of endodontics. Food industry[edit] Because of its low toxicity and the mildness of its basic properties, slaked lime is widely used in the food industry, In USDA certified food production in plants and livestock[13] To clarify raw juice from sugarcane or sugar beets in the sugar industry (see carbonatation) To process water for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks To increase the rate of Maillard reactions (pretzels)[14] Pickle cucumbers and other foods To make Chinese century eggs In maize preparation: removes the cellulose hull of maize kernels (see nixtamalizati